More Democrats and fewer Republicans are skipping travel plans due to safety concerns. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/43df3gZ
Semisonic’s Dan Wilson has a new instrumental album. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4hUju4K
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3DbghyP
DFL Sen. Judy Seeberger was on Sunday Take to discuss Minnesota’s current needs, the race for an open Senate seat, pushback against DFLers and more. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4idQkxd
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
RESPONSIBLEGAMING: Legal sports betting platforms offer responsible game tools that offshore and illegal sports betting don’t offer. In fact, age verification is not required with most offshore providers. Learn more about why legalized sports betting is more responsible. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4kgJoS4 (SPONSORED: Sports Betting Alliance)
SURVEY: Via Long-Term Care Imperative, VERBATIM: “The Long-Term Care Imperative released new findings today that highlight the severe financial distress of Minnesota’s senior care sector and the disastrous impact that Governor Walz’s proposed budget would have on seniors across Minnesota. Without urgent action from the legislature to uphold its responsibility to our seniors, the state will undo a decade of progress. The statewide survey of long-term care settings revealed that 89% of nursing homes predict deteriorating financial conditions due to unfunded mandates set by the unelected Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board (NHWSB). These mandates will have an impact beyond Nursing Homes as 70% of Assisted Living providers also indicated that they will have to adjust wages as a result.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3D66l9O
(DISCLOSURE: LeadingAge Minnesota, which is part of Long-Term Care Imperative, is a client of Fluence)
TRUMP: Via City of St. Paul, VERBATIM: “Today, the City of Saint Paul will join litigation in the matter of San Francisco v. Trump, filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of California. Mayor Carter, the Saint Paul City Council, and the City Attorney’s Office will offer brief remarks. The President’s Executive Order titled ‘Protecting The American People Against Invasion,’ threatens to withhold over $200 million in federal funding in the City of Saint Paul alone, as they contend the City’s separation ordinance interferes with federal government immigration enforcements.”
BACKGROUND: From Taylor Rivera and Lindsey Peterson via WCCO-Radio, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump is taking aim at several Minnesota politicians over their alleged failure to comply with the federal government’s deportation efforts. In a recent press release touting the president's removal of ‘illegal immigrant killers and drug dealers,’ Trump made specific mention of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, and the St. Paul City Council Vice President Hwa Jeong Kim for her role in protecting Minnesota immigrants. The president calling all three ‘sick politicians’ for not cooperating with his administrations with deportation efforts.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3EVlPxW
MORE: Via The White House, news release. READ: https://fluence-media.co/41yod6w
MORE: From Winter Keefer via MinnPost, responses from Mayor Carter and Attorney General Ellison. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4h19tlb
SCHOOL MEALS: From Melissa Whitler via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Nearly three quarters of Minnesota school districts will see a reduction in funding to support low-income students next year because of a wrinkle in Minnesota’s free school meals law — unless the Legislature acts this session . . . Under the universal school meals law, starting next year, only students counted through direct certification will be tallied when it’s time to give districts with more low-income students extra instructional money. The idea was to make it easier for school districts, which would no longer need to collect paper forms. But the end of paper forms could be costly for districts that still rely on them. Nearly 13% of all students eligible for free meals were certified through paper forms in 2022. For reduced price meals, almost 40% of eligible students are certified this way.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ij31al
CHILDCARE: From Jay Kolls via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “5 EYEWITNESS NEWS’ reporting is renewing debate at the State Capitol on oversight of the $400 million state Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). At a Minnesota House committee meeting on Monday of the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee, Minnesota Department of Human Services Interim Commissioner Shireen Gandhi questioned the location of a child day care center 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reported on concerning oversight of the CCAP. Over the past several weeks, KSTP reported there are some daycare centers receiving millions of dollars in taxpayer funds through CCAP, despite having dozens of serious safety violations over the course of several years.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3DbYVBP
FUNDING: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Red Lake tribal officials were in the nation’s Capitol on Tuesday discussing several important topics, including the Trump administration’s funding freeze on tribal infrastructure projects, as well as the administration’s proposed funding cuts to tribal programs. Red Lake Tribal Chairman Darrell Seki Sr. and Tribal Secretary Sam Strong met with Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith that morning to discuss those matters. Tribal Chairman Seki then testified before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee that afternoon on the 2026 budgets for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, and EPA tribal programs.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41vwSXr
WILD ABOUT READING: More than 500 Minnesota classrooms and 15,000 students are participating in the “Wild About Reading” program, a partnership with Flint Hills Resources which encourages students to read more using Minnesota Wild-branded posters, reading logs, and bookmarks. Teachers set weekly reading goals and give certificates to students who complete the four-week program. Fun program incentives include classroom visits from the Wild’s mascot, Nordy – and the team dog, Rookie; a pair of tickets to a Wild home game, player signed pucks and photos; and a pizza party for a classroom. LEARN MORE: Wild About Reading SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources
LIGHT RAIL: From Nick Halter via Axios, VERBATIM: “The Green Line extension to the southwest metro, already nearly $1 billion over budget, now faces another question: Will the federal government send the remaining $234 million it awarded the project in 2020? Why it matters: After many delays and cost increases, the multibillion dollar, 14.5-mile project is more than 80% complete and supposed to begin service in 2027. But President Trump's attempt to halt federal grants raises questions about the final phases.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QCnWt4
WORKFORCE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “President Trump and multibillionaire Elon Musk are behind the drive to shed thousands and thousands of federal workers. The Department of Government Efficiency — better known as DOGE — seems nowhere near done with its purge of the federal workforce. While Minnesota doesn’t have as large of a federal workforce as some other states, the reductions have unleashed an unsettling fog of uncertainty about the labor market and the local economy’s health. How bad could the job market get? The extent of the negative impact on the national economy and Minnesota partly depends on how deep the DOGE cuts are and how widespread the ripple effects on private and nonprofit employment.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4igmUi9
NEXT WEEK: From Matthew Freeman via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “March 5th is Bemidji’s annual Day at the Capitol event, which gives city officials the chance to present what they believe to be priorities for the city to state legislators. In order to provide concise and consistent information to those lawmakers, the Bemidji City Council held a work session to discuss exactly what the city needs before they head to St. Paul. The city council felt a bonding request for either major renovations or the possible reconstruction of Bemidji’s main fire hall is very needed, citing a need for co-ed locker rooms for privacy concerns as well as an overall size expansion. The building was built in 1970 and has had zero renovations since. They also considered a bonding request for City Hall itself, with accommodations for those with disabilities being a concern as well as a needed update to the building’s air system. But not every councilor was on board with reconstructing either of the buildings.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4blZm9w
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep.-Elect Kari Rehauer
Rep.-Elect Wayne Johnson
Rep. Elect Julie Greene
Rep. Elect Keith Allen
Rep. Elect Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
AUDIT: Via Office of the State Auditor, VERBATIM: “‘Fire relief associations’ pension investments rebounded after a tough year. In 2023, we saw a 14.2 percent average rate of return,’ Auditor Blaha said. ‘The trends are good for communities' commitment to supporting firefighters, and the safety they provide.’ A fire relief association is a governmental entity that receives and manages public money to provide retirement benefits to firefighters and first responders. These associations operate independently of their affiliated city or town fire department and are governed by their own board of trustees. Relief associations must meet various reporting requirements with the Office of the State Auditor and other state and federal agencies. They qualify to receive state aid based on completing these annual reports.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3D4f8sR REPORT: https://fluence-media.co/3QAic2Z
SOLVENTUM: From Dan Niepow via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “It’s been almost a year since Solventum spun off as a separate business from 3M. Now, Solventum is orchestrating a spinoff of its own. On Tuesday, Solventum announced that it has lined up a deal to sell its purification and filtration business to Massachusetts-based medical equipment maker Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. for $4.1 billion.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4keZgUW
SKYWATER: From Bloomington-based SkyWater via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “SkyWater Technology (Nasdaq: SKYT) has entered into an agreement with Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) for SkyWater to purchase Infineon’s 200 mm fab in Austin, Texas and a corresponding long-term supply agreement. SkyWater will operate the fab as a foundry, increasing available capacity in the U.S. for foundational chips on nodes from 130 nanometers down to 65 nanometers that are critical for many industrial, automotive and defense applications.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3XlRGOK
MORE: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “SkyWater Technology Inc. (SKYT) on Wednesday reported a loss of $679,000 in its fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the Bloomington, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 1 cent. Earnings, adjusted for stock option expense and non-recurring costs, came to 4 cents per share. The company posted revenue of $75.5 million in the period.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43apAcL
SEZZLE: Via PYMNTS, VERBATIM: “Heavy engagement with the Sezzle [based in Minneapolis] platform and a surge in buy now, pay later (BNPL) demand during the holiday shopping season drove the company’s revenues and other metrics ahead of expectations, in results released after market close on Tuesday (Feb. 25).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hTPF4y
RETAIL: From Alex V. Cipolle via MPR, VERBATIM: “For many Minnesota creatives, the announcement of the nationwide closing of fabric and craft store Joann was a shock. ‘The first thought was just devastation,’ said Sarah Bahr, a Twin Cities freelance costume and scenic designer for theater, opera and dance. ‘This one store was this kind of one-stop shop for any sewing and craft needs for my industry.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hOEZ78
BRINGING SAFETY TO “THE NEXT LEVEL” - As part of Enbridge’s work on the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation in northern Minnesota, Enbridge has brought in family-owned and Indigenous-owned Northern Lights Family Outfitters to fully outfit project workers right on the job site with personal protective equipment (PPE) from its 48-foot mobile trailer. “Enbridge really brings safety to the next level,” says Patti, a project liaison for Enbridge and the Fond du Lac Band. “It’s really helpful to have a mobile unit, especially for this kind of work. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OQYmjn (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
RAMSEY CTY: From Samie Solina via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “The union representing probation officers in Ramsey County has filed an intent to strike. It's raising a concern about public safety, when or if, they walk off the job. Next Tuesday, the union says officers may strike if they don't come to an agreement with Ramsey County.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XiraWo
BROOKLYN PARK: From Kevin Miller via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “The Brooklyn Park City Council may amend the city code to restrict the total number of dogs and cats allowed at a home. The council approved a first reading of the ordinance change on Feb. 24. According to Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley, the proposed rule change comes after many residents bought more dogs than they could handle during the COVID-19 pandemic.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/418IvC4
ELK: From Sophia Lauber via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “The Red Lake Nation feels overlooked by the DNR and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, according to Red Lake Tribal Council member Allen D. Pemberton. ‘You see stuff in a paper or the news articles, everything, everybody was okay with it, but they never really asked us, the Red Lake Band, if we were okay with that, and we weren’t,’ Pemberton said.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gXS5xx
THIS WEEK: From Stephanie March via MplsStPaul, VERBATIM: “Welcome to the first and best Restaurant Week of the year! Let's be honest, you need RW most when you're in the throes of a winter meh, to get out of your couch-level eating habit. And since the weather has decided to taunt you with Fool's Spring, you really have no reason not to get out and eat meals at killer prices this week.” LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4ij3OIl
NEXT MONTH: From General Mills via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) plans to report results for its fiscal 2025 third quarter on March 19, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4bf7AQF
APRIL10: Citizens League will honor Peter Bell, former Metropolitan Council Chair and Sharon McMahon, at the 2025 Civic Celebration. The annual Civic Celebration is an inspiring evening, gathering hundreds of Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds, parties and ideologies to celebrate our state’s enduring civic culture, leadership, and commitment to public service. REGISTER: https://fluence-media.co/41txP1p (SPONSORED: Citizens League)
From yesterday’s Fluence newsletters:
WINTER: From Mike Moen via Minnesota News Connection, VERBATIM: “Minnesota is in the depths of extremely cold and occasionally snowy weather this February. These familiar winter conditions might have some feeling down, and experts caution it’s not something to ignore. The term winter blues gets thrown around this time of year. However, researchers say for some, it can be a serious concern, noting up to 6% of the U.S. population suffers from seasonal affective disorder.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F7sapS
COMMUNITY HEALTH: Via MHA, VERBATIM: “Minnesota’s non-profit hospitals and health systems are built on a simple but profound commitment: caring for the whole patient and strengthening the entire community. That commitment was on full display in 2023, as hospitals and health systems invested $6.2 billion in programs and services designed to improve the health and well-being of Minnesotans, according to the latest Community Impact Report from the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA). These investments extend far beyond hospital walls. They address the root causes of illness, expand access to care, and ensure that every Minnesotan, regardless of their ability to pay, receives the care they need.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ifdbZC
PHEE: From Jonathan Harrison via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Lynx star Napheesa Collier is reportedly giving $100,000 to the training and performance staff and assistant coaches working for her team, the Lunar Owls, after the first season of the Unrivaled basketball league she co-founded. The money is half of her prize money she won in Unrivaled's first one-on-one tournament, where Collier defeated Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards in the final on Feb. 14. According to ESPN, Collier wanted to ‘make sure she found a way to show appreciation to the staff members’ that have put work into the startup league.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ka2dWR
OLYMPIAN: Via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “After 15 years of hard work, Bethany Mussell is gearing up for the Special Olympic World Games in Italy. The Bloomington skier will compete among 1,500 elite athletes from across the globe.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4h0fsGO
SKIING: From Catharine Richert via MPR, VERBATIM: “It was one of those bluebird skiing days at Welch Village Ski and Snowboard Area. The sky was perfectly clear. There was fresh snow on the ground. And Christina Baurichter was gearing up for a ski lesson with the Courage Kenny adaptive ski and snowboarding program.
Like everyone in the program, Baurichter is no ordinary student. ‘I’m considered a quadriplegic,’ she said.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4bo2vWk
GOLF: Via The Bemidji Pioneer, VERBATIM: “Gordon Construction's fifth annual charity golf tournament, held on Sept. 6 at the Mahnomen Country Club, raised $27,891 for the Mahnomen County Agriculture Society. The Mahnomen County Agricultural Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Minnesota agriculture and heritage, supporting and encouraging youth in their development and encouraging community involvement in Mahnomen County.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3F3ogyh
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BILLS: From Peter Callaghan via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “Bills to designate something the official state, whatever, are common diversions during legislative sessions. This year, there is a bill to proclaim the giant beaver as the official state fossil and another to collectively decide that the state’s official celestial constellation should be Ursa Minor. They would join 19 other state mascots such as the Blueberry as the state’s official muffin and Lester as the state’s official soil.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4icjQ6E
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
GOLF: From Delane Cleveland via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “In Minnesota, practicing your golf game during the winter months used to require some creativity. ‘I think swinging in the garage, swinging in the basement and swinging without hitting a ball. Or swinging and hitting a rolled-up sock or a foam ball was really the only option that people had,’ said Justin Kraft, a golf instructor. But thanks to advancements in technology, that’s no longer the case. Kraft is the 28-year-old mastermind behind Kraftygolf Studio, a 2,500-square-foot facility in Plymouth for anyone trying to become a better golfer.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4idzMWk
BDAYS: lobbyist Margaret Vessel, reporter AJ Lagoe, fmr. Sen. Connie Bernardy, pizza lover Chad Nichols, activist JaNae’ Bates, lobbyist Alysen Nesse
Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region. Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more. Visit www.fluence-media.com to learn more.
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